How is laytime calculated under a standard charter party, and what adjustments can affect its start and end?

• A. Laytime runs from readiness at the loading/unloading port within agreed hours; affected by berthing windows, weather, holidays, and any agreed laytime allowances or interruptions.
• B. Laytime starts when cargo is loaded and ends when cargo is discharged, independent of window decisions.
• C. Laytime is a fixed 12-hour period per voyage.
• D. Laytime is purely theoretical and has no impact on costs.

Answer: (A)